In this special episode, hear from three incredible leaders from the state of Michigan talking about climate and clean energy; Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, administrators Liesl Clark, Director, Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and Katherine Peretick, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission.

For the fourth year, come and celebrate water and our connection to it at the Water is Life festival, back in person this year in Mackinaw City (more details about the event and schedule to come!)

New this year at the event is Manoomin Michigan and Our Sacred Water Protectors. This panel will inform and educate about our sacred food source, how it is part of our lifeways as Anishinaabe, protection of it, and how tribes are managing and doing awesome restoration efforts in Michigan. Student groups out of Elk Rapids who paddled the Great Lakes to raise awareness will also be honored. 

There are plans to host eclectic musical talent, spoken word, NGOS, Indigenous artists from South America and of course food! A canine area for our four-legged friends will be provided as well. Camping will be available at LTBB Rustic Camp area, with a Friday night feast to honor all our sponsors, volunteers etc. and the Minogen Market will be open and will have delectable food available to enjoy.

RSVP Here

MiCAN is recognizing the Michiganders doing exceptional climate and justice work with these new awards, which are based off of community nominee submissions and recognizes some of the dedicated professionals, activists, and young people doing the hard work of moving Michigan toward a just and sustainable future. 

Recipients were honored at this year's virtual Michigan Climate and Clean Energy Summit, and we are excited to share this year's incredible winners.

The Climate Champion Award goes to a professional working for an organization, a municipality, or business in Michigan

The recipient of this award is Dr. Denise Keele, a founding member and director of both Western Michigan University's Climate Change Working Group and the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition (KCCC).  Dr. Keele has focused her teaching, scholarship, and professional service to educating students and helping other faculty learn about the climate crisis. She has inspired countless students to pursue careers related to climate change. 

As one person who nominated her wrote, “Dr. Keele devotes her professional life to championing the cause of addressing the climate crisis.  She does so in a way that profoundly models inclusion, collaboration, education, and political transformation.” AND “Denise’s infectious energy and enthusiasm have motivated many hundreds of people throughout southwest Michigan – who otherwise would have remained silent - to act on climate change.”

Congratulations Dr. Keele!

The Climate Action Award goes to a person doing exceptional work as a volunteer or individual.

We are thrilled to award Theresa Landrum, a community organizer and activist, has been fighting against Environmental injustices over twenty years. Theresa Landrum was appointed by the Governor to the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice (MAC-EJ) She also is the Community Education Specialist for the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition’s Clean Air Council. Theresa Landrum is a life-long Detroiter, and is one of the strongest community activists in Southwest Detroit 48217.  

As a person who nominated her said,” Theresa is doing the work that NEEDS to be done, work that many are afraid to do. She does it WELL! With grace, yet fire that allows the job to get done! She’s amazing and she also teaches, Instills, and inspires so many others.”

Congratulations Theresa!

The Young Climate Leader Award goes to a student or other young person doing exceptional work as a volunteer or individual.

Congratulations to the winner of this award, Dolores Perales, for her work as a vocal advocate for climate and justice and working closely with the community to develop and sustain green placemaking projects. She also helps facilitate sustainability-based research in partnership with local high schools and universities.

One of the many people to nominate Dolores wrote “As a classmate of Dolores', I've learned so much from her, and watch her work tirelessly to fundraise and promote events that educate our community. She is an inspiration and deserves the Young Climate Leader award.”

Congratulations Dolores!

These awards were made possible by a generous grant from The Colina Foundation. 

This special episode discusses the Michigan Climate & Clean Energy Summit on May 24-27. This year we have decided to combine two successful events - the Michigan Climate Action Summit and Groundwork’s Michigan Clean Energy Conference - into one big digital event.

Esosa Aimufua, an associate attorney at Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC on why Global Warming Matters for Line 5 Permitting.

LaUra Schmidt is co-founder of the Good Grief Network, a nonprofit organization that creates community space to process the painful feelings and realities of our time.

In a historic decision, the Michigan Public Service Commissioners (MPSC) ruled to include the impacts of climate change in their review of Enbridge's proposed oil tunnel! 

Today, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) ruled that climate change considerations may be included in Enbridge’s Line 5 permit hearing.